CHAPTER 59

Tang Ruoyao slowly rubbed the edge of her phone with her fingertips, a mix of sorrow and sadness welling up in her heart.

In just two months, everything seemed different.

Unconsciously, she put away her phone, still lost in her thoughts, unable to snap out of it. It wasn't until she caught a glimpse of a figure in her peripheral vision and felt a hand on her shoulder.

A young girl lifted her hand and waved it in front of Tang Ruoyao, saying, "What are you doing here? The director is calling for you."

It was Xiao A, a friend she had made on the set.

"I was taking a call." Tang Ruoyao shook the phone she had retrieved and paused before putting it back in her bag completely. "What does the director want?"

"Well, I don't know." Xiao A laughed. "Director Lin is very happy and got drunk. He's going around talking to people, and now it's your turn."

The wrap-up party was lively and vibrant, with many young actors. Even though there were a few troublemakers among them, although not as severe as You Mingxuan, in such an atmosphere, the youthful spirit of the young people still shone through.

Lin Guoan was a director without airs. On set, he was serious about directing, but in private, he was very easygoing. The crew members weren't afraid of him, and when it came to a wrap-up party like this, after a few drinks, everyone let loose and enjoyed themselves, regardless of rank or position.

As Tang Ruoyao walked past, the banquet hall was filled with chaotic dancing. A small group of people, instigated by someone unknown, were dancing there. There was a good-looking guy who had somehow been convinced to take off his shirt and hide it somewhere. Now he was pulling people aside and asking, "Where's my shirt?"

Unable to find his own shirt, he simply grabbed a colleague's shirt and haphazardly put it on. Of course, the colleague objected, and the two of them started chasing each other around the venue. Tang Ruoyao agilely avoided the oncoming collision and headed towards Lin Guoan, who was sitting at a table, seemingly sighing.

At that moment, a male actor from the crew approached Tang Ruoyao, holding a glass of wine to toast her.

Tang Ruoyao furrowed her brow.

This actor was definitely on the list that Mu Qingwu had emphasized to her. Because You Mingxuan was too attention-grabbing, this actor behaved properly on set and didn't cross any boundaries.

"Senior Tang, allow me to toast you and express my gratitude for your guidance these past few days." the male actor said politely. They had scenes together, and he was a newcomer with limited experience. When he struggled with some lines, Tang Ruoyao had given him a few pointers, but it wasn't anything significant.

Tang Ruoyao nodded at him, acknowledging his words, but she didn't want to drink the toast.

The male actor was somewhat persistent. He still held the bottle in his hand and quickly grabbed a new wine glass, filling it up for Tang Ruoyao and handing it over to her.

Tang Ruoyao looked at him with an inscrutable expression.

She would never forget how she had been deceived two years ago. Whether he simply wanted to get closer to her or had ulterior motives, Tang Ruoyao wouldn't easily touch something that had been handled by others.

She was only a few meters away from Lin Guoan, so she glanced in his direction and led the actor over there. She poured herself a glass of wine, took a sip, just moistening her lips, and sent the actor away.

When Lin Guoan saw her, his old face immediately creased with a smile.

"Director Lin."

"Have a seat." Lin Guoan asked her, "Have you decided on your next film?"

"Not yet." Tang Ruoyao shook her head. While filming on set, she focused only on the few required scenes and ignored everything else happening outside the set. Mu Qingwu wouldn't distract her with news about a new film at a time like this.

"Let me make a prediction." Lin Guoan said mysteriously. "You're about to receive some good news."

"一Overnight riches?"

"Hahaha," Lin Guoan chuckled. "That would be vulgar, but it's something similar."

"What is it?"

Lin Guoan made a hushing gesture, indicating that it was top-secret. After a while, he couldn't resist asking again, "You really have no idea?"

Tang Ruoyao laughed, "How would I know what you're talking about?"

Lin Guoan muttered, "You should." In his mind, Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong were still girlfriends. Letting Tang Ruoyao audition for Qin Yinong's new film, where the producer and actor were from the same company, had its own implications. They could have some fun with unspoken rules and such.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing." Lin Guoan coughed. Last time he leaked something, Qin Yinong had been ignoring him, and even if he involved Tang Ruoyao, it didn't work. The couple would handle their own matters behind closed doors, and it had nothing to do with him. He didn't want to get involved in unnecessary trouble.

Tang Ruoyao intentionally or unintentionally prolonged her stay at the wrap-up party, extending the time indefinitely. In the end, when even those who were determined not to get drunk had collapsed and were sent to their hotel rooms, she had to bid farewell like most people.

.....

"Did she reply to the message?"

Han Yuping took full control of the film casting, leaving Qin Yinong with very little to do. She had finally managed to find something for herself, but it was taken away from her. She had a lot of free time, so she spent the day at home with Ningning, and as soon as they finished dinner, she came over.

"She replied, saying she will be a bit late."

Qin Yinong shrugged. "Let me see."

Guan Han handed her the phone. The report she had prepared was word-for-word accurate, containing only those four words.

Qin Yinong stared at the message displayed in the center of the screen, lost in thought for a while before tossing the phone back. She found a foreign film called "The Godfather" to watch. The film was quite long, nearly three hours. As it reached its conclusion, the room remained quiet, without a trace of movement.

It was a classic film that many professional actors would rewatch repeatedly, finding something new each time. Qin Yinong was no exception. However, Guan Han wasn't an actor, and she was already familiar with the plot. She couldn't concentrate and felt restless, struggling to restrain herself from fidgeting like a spring.

As the end credits rolled, Qin Yinong was no different from when the movie had started, except that she shifted slightly due to the stiffness in her neck from maintaining the same position for a long time. Guan Han softly said, "Should I send another message to... her?"

It was unprecedented for Qin Yinong to wait so long. Moreover, Tang Ruoyao hadn't proactively sent a single message since earlier. If she had encountered any obstacles, she would have informed them in advance. Could it be...

Guan Han's face immediately changed. Memories from two years ago flooded her mind. That day, when Qin Yinong found out that Tang Ruoyao had been drugged and went to find help, she almost went insane. The actions of the hotel manager were frustratingly slow, and she almost had the bodyguards kick open the doors of all the rooms on the sixth floor corridor.

Guan Han stood up abruptly. "Qin Jie—"

"It's fine." Qin Yinong saw through her worries and casually said, "I had Lin Guoan keep an eye on her. He will message me when she leaves the wrap-up party. She just left not long ago and is on her way back."

Guan Han slowly sat back down, exhaling a breath of relief.

That's good.

However, since she's on her way back, why hasn't Tang Ruoyao said anything to her?

Guan Han glanced at Qin Yinong. The living room wasn't brightly lit, only a soft, white light strip was on near the door. The center of the living room grew dim as the TV screen darkened, plunging them into darkness, making Qin Yinong's face blurry and indistinct.

Qin Yinong remained calm and switched to the next film.

Guan Han swallowed her words, hesitating to speak.

Tang Ruoyao cautiously stepped into her home, just before midnight, 11:59. She opened the front door, stepped inside, and bent down to change into slippers. Guan Han was present, and Tang Ruoyao greeted her in the usual calm manner, saying, "Sister." Afterward, she apologized, explaining that there were too many people at the wrap-up party, and she couldn't leave early, resulting in her late return.

Qin Yinong immediately sensed that something was off.

She responded with a noncommittal "Hmm," her emotions impossible to discern.

Tang Ruoyao's heart was filled with anxiety. The mental defense she had prepared earlier was on the verge of collapsing. It wasn't just her natural instinctive reaction to facing her beloved, but also the inherent fear she felt towards Qin Yinong.

Stripping away all her private thoughts, Qin Yinong's deliberate cultivation of a sense of hierarchy over the years suddenly became extraordinarily clear in this moment.

Tang Ruoyao looked at her serene profile, momentarily unsure of how to handle the situation.

Her lips moved, her neck tensed up, and her once proud acting skills appeared as a feeble facade in front of Qin Yinong. After a while, she couldn't find the right words to say. She contemplated whether to get straight to the point, as Qin Yinong's visits were always related to this matter anyway.

Just as she was contemplating how to get rid of the bothersome Guan Han, Qin Yinong, who had been sitting on the couch all along, suddenly stood up. She brushed off non-existent dust from her shoulders and walked towards Tang Ruoyao, facing her bewildered gaze. With great tenderness, she raised her hand and fixed the disheveled hair that had been blown by the wind when Tang Ruoyao got off the car. Then, slowly lowering her hand, she tugged at her collar.

"If you want me to free up today's time to accompany you, it's already the next day now. I have some things to attend to, so I'll leave first." Qin Yinong said. With one hand cradling Tang Ruoyao's face, she gently kissed the corner of her mouth. Her ink-black eyes resembled deep abysses as they stared at her. "Goodnight."

Tang Ruoyao caught a whiff of the lingering fragrance on Qin Yinong, the kind of strong scent that remains after the perfume has dissipated, somewhat like flowers that have wilted.

Her heart felt empty, as if something was rapidly flowing out, slipping through her fingers. Tang Ruoyao felt a moment of daze, and her fingers curled unconsciously, reaching forward but only touching a piece of fabric from Qin Yinong's swirling clothes.

Ice-cold, brushing against her fingertips, and decisively leaving without hesitation.

"Sister!" she blurted out.

Qin Yinong turned back with a smile. "Hmm?"

"...Goodnight." Tang Ruoyao simply said, her lips curving into a gentle smile.

Qin Yinong smiled and nodded at her, then closed the front door.

From Tang Ruoyao entering the house to Qin Yinong leaving, not more than three minutes had passed. Tang Ruoyao sat on the couch where Qin Yinong had sat, still feeling the warmth of the woman's body. She was completely bewildered.

.....

Not to mention Tang Ruoyao, who couldn't make sense of the situation, even Guan Han, who considered herself to be Qin Yinong's confidante, was completely puzzled by Qin Yinong's unusual behavior.

With half a year left on their contract, seeing each other less frequently meant they would meet at most two or three more times. In the future, they would have to treat each other as strangers.

Qin Yinong sat there motionless for a few hours, and during the journey back, she kept her eyes closed, seemingly resting. Guan Han knew she couldn't be truly asleep, but Qin Yinong showed no intention of speaking to her, leaving Guan Han to repeatedly speculate on her current state of mind, ultimately causing herself unnecessary distress.

Just as Qin Yinong opened her eyes, she saw Guan Han's face wrinkled in confusion.

Qin Yinong couldn't help but laugh. "I should have recorded your expression."

Guan Han thought, 'She's still joking, so she must be in a good mood.'

Qin Yinong asked, "Do I have anything to do recently?"

Guan Han replied, "Nothing important, just attending an awards ceremony."

Qin Yinong lightly uttered two words with a touch of playfulness in her voice, "How boring." She sighed and said, "I want to film a movie." After half a year of leisure in the country, if she didn't act in a film soon, she would become rusty.

"It's coming soon. Director Han is looking for actors."

"Mm." Qin Yinong responded and then suddenly, without a clear reason, said, "Book two tickets for me to go abroad. I want to take a break."

"Two tickets?"

"For me and you." Qin Yinong glanced at her sideways. "Who else would there be?"

"Oh, I see." Guan Han stammered, saying, "Understood."

Tang Ruoyao had just finished filming, and it didn't immediately register in her mind. Subconsciously, she thought Qin Yinong wanted to go on a "honeymoon" trip, but upon careful consideration, she realized it was impossible. Qin Yinong was secretive about their relationship, so she wouldn't risk being caught on camera while traveling abroad together.

The next day, Qin Yinong and Guan Han flew abroad with their plane tickets. Since Qin Yinong's hand was accidentally cut by glass last time, Guan Han had been paying extra attention to her mental state and made an unexpected discovery. The faint sense of anxiety that lingered around Qin Yinong was moderately relieved, and the shadows in her smile seemed to have unknowingly dissipated. Apart from an increased frequency of silence and absent-mindedness, everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.

Guan Han dared not relax because history was repeating itself with her once again.

Three years ago, Qin Yinong saw Tang Ruoyao as her lifeline and regained the courage to face life again. There were even signs of a breakthrough between them. However, with the sudden and unexpected turn of events, the delicate balance between the two was shattered, and Qin Yinong retracted the hesitant hand that had just reached out to touch a new world. Since then, Tang Ruoyao became both her antidote and her poison.

Now she had lost both of them, and she couldn't predict what would happen next.

A grape flew in from the sky, hitting her wrist precisely before rolling into her palm. Guan Han pinched the grape, blinked in confusion, and looked towards Qin Yinong not far away.

"Are you done yet?" Qin Yinong's expression turned sour. "Did I bring you out here for you to wear that bitter and resentful face every day? You're still young, where do you get so many worries from?"

"I didn't..."

"Shut up."

Guan Han finished eating the grape, leaned back on the lounge chair by the swimming pool, took a sip from the juice beside her, crossed her legs, put on her sunglasses, and looked through the lenses at the sapphire-like sky.

Click--

She turned her face sharply as she heard the sound, and Qin Yinong took several more photos of her.

During a vacation, the boundaries between boss and assistant naturally weren't so clear. Guan Han stood up and walked over to snatch the phone. "Hello."

Qin Yinong put on her boss demeanor, and with a single sentence, she froze Guan Han in place. Immediately, Qin Yinong opened her neglected Moments and selected a photo of Guan Han, editing the caption with a smile: "Blue sky, swimming pool, and assistant."

Her fingertip hovered above the send button, and just as she was about to press it, she paused abruptly.

Guan Han stretched her neck to get a look at the phone in Qin Yinong's hand. With her nearsightedness, she couldn't see clearly without her glasses, and she anxiously said, "Let me see it before you send it."

Qin Yinong's smile gradually faded.

She deleted those words one by one, returned to the main screen, her expression serene, but a mix of emotions surged within her.

Is it interesting? She asked herself, who are you pretending to be so cheerful and lively for?

Qin Yinong took off the sunglasses perched on her forehead and leaped into the swimming pool in front of her. It was as if a bomb had been dropped into the water, causing a huge splash. Qin Yinong held her breath and sank down, opening her eyes underwater without wearing goggles. The water flowed into her eyes unhindered, stinging like tears..

.....

"These are your recent schedule arrangements." Mu Qingwu handed the folder in her hand to Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao opened it and saw densely written lines filling the pages. She couldn't help but smile, "So many?"

Mu Qingwu sat opposite her and shrugged, "You have underestimated your own influence and status. These are the ones I specifically selected for you, and there were even more initially. Combined with the accumulation during your filming, it has become like this now."

Tang Ruoyao flipped to the last page, which was already scheduled for three months later, approaching the Lunar New Year.

All these notifications were like shining silver in her eyes. Tang Ruoyao calculated as she looked at them. Once they were all paid, she should be able to buy a house in the capital city. Maybe not a villa or a spacious flat, but a cozy three-bedroom apartment would be more than enough for her and Tang Fei to live comfortably.

Qin Yinong couldn't wait for her response any longer, so she directly bought her an SUV. It was someone's good judgment that perfectly matched Tang Ruoyao's aesthetics. However, she didn't want to drive it. Once her contract expired, she planned to sell the car and use the cash for more important things.

"There's also a script that was delivered to your doorsteps." Mu Qingwu waited until Tang Ruoyao had browsed through the schedule, then handed her a stack of scripts. "Take a look and see if there's anything you like. Oh, and I also received an audition invitation for you. It's from Director Han Yuping."

Tang Ruoyao suddenly looked up. "Who did you say?"

"Han Yuping." Mu Qingwu said with an incredulous tone. Just as Qin Yinong had feared, Mu Qingwu's connections in the film industry were not as strong as those in the television industry. The news of Han Yuping's auditions had not been publicly announced; only a few well-informed individuals had heard about it. People like Mu Qingwu received the invitation and learned that Han Yuping was planning to shoot a new film.

Since taking over Tang Ruoyao, Mu Qingwu had been expanding her network in the film industry leveraging the actress's fame. However, Han Yuping actively approached them, which was unexpected. Despite Tang Ruoyao's impressive reputation as a leading actress and her skyrocketing popularity among fans, when it came to serious consideration, there were plenty of award-winning actors and actresses in Huaxia in recent years. Not to mention those who had received international awards. A mere Tang Ruoyao was far from catching Han Yuping's attention.

Fans can come and go, but artists and managers can't just drift away.

Mu Qingwu curiously asked, "Do you have a personal relationship with Director Han?"

Tang Ruoyao was still in shock and blinked slowly before saying, "When I was filming 'Under the Southern Mountain,' Director Han spent two days on the set." And he often stared at her.

Mu Qingwu laughed, "Well, with your luck, it seems like even the heavens are on your side."

However, Tang Ruoyao had a different speculation, which she temporarily put aside.

She asked, "Did he give you the script?"

Mu Qingwu shook his head, "No, but he asked a question in the invitation."

"What was it?"

"Do you have any aversion to portraying a homosexual character?"

Tang Ruoyao's fingertip twitched abruptly, and she firmly replied with one word, "No."

"That's all then. His question seemed a bit strange. Could it be that he wants you to play a homosexual role?" Mu Qingwu rubbed her chin, lost in thought.

"Maybe." Tang Ruoyao's intuition grew stronger.

Could it be such a coincidence?

Qin Yinong had mentioned a homosexual script to Lin Guoan, looking for a director. After some time, Han Yuping appeared on the set, and now it seemed like Han Yuping might be directing a homosexual film.

Could it be the film produced by Qin Yinong?

Tang Ruoyao had a sudden realization, her thin lips pressed tightly, and her brows furrowed lightly.

Mu Qingwu noticed and asked, "Don't you want to take the role?"

"It's not that." Tang Ruoyao's expression turned a bit unpleasant. "I'm worried about the audition result."

"Don't worry, your talent is evident. You'll be fine." Mu Qingwu patted her shoulder, encouraging her. "If it doesn't work out, I'll find you another opportunity."

Tang Ruoyao forced a smile, her mind wandering.

At some point, Mu Qingwu received a phone call and left the office, leaving Tang Ruoyao alone. She took out her phone from her bag and made a call.

After two rings, the person on the other end answered, "Xiao Tang?"

Tang Ruoyao pressed her lips slightly and called out, "Director Lin."

"What's wrong?"

"Did you recommend me to Director Han Yuping?" When Han Yuping came to the set that day, he approached her right away. It was definitely prearranged. Tang Ruoyao didn't have enough confidence to believe that she could catch the attention of a renowned director just by standing there.

"Yes." Lin Guoan admitted with a smile. He waited for two seconds but didn't hear Tang Ruoyao's response. "Hmm? Why aren't you saying anything?"

"I'm too surprised to speak." Tang Ruoyao said, her lips turning pale.

"Hahaha," Lin Guoan said, "You don't have to say nice things to me anymore. You deserve it. Old Han saw your performance and thought highly of you, that's why he invited you. It has nothing to do with me."

"Is it for Qin Yinong's film?"

Lin Guoan couldn't deny it, but he also couldn't reveal any secrets. He awkwardly deflected the topic, "Just focus on preparing for the audition. Good luck. I'm busy with something, so I'll go now. Treat me to a meal when you get a chance."

Tang Ruoyao had already received a definite answer.

She propped herself up on the sofa, her forehead twitching uncontrollably, as if she wanted to break through her temples. Her body trembled slightly. She choked in her throat, her eyes burning incessantly. She wanted to scream in anger, to cry in pain, but in the end, her chest heaved violently a few times. Her fingertips tightly gripped the edge of the sofa, and her knuckles turned pale with a cold light.

Why, after going around in circles for so long, couldn't she escape Qin Yinong?

She absolutely couldn't refuse Han Yuping's audition invitation. Not only would it damage Han Yuping's reputation, but it would also indirectly harm Lin Guoan, who recommended her. Offending two people at once, Tang Ruoyao didn't think of herself as lucky enough to survive such a situation. Her journey in the entertainment industry had been too smooth. If she received the audition but didn't prepare well or give it her all, it would violate an actor's professional integrity, and Han Yuping, with his sharp eyes, would be able to see through it.

There was only one path laid before her, and she had to participate in this audition and seize this opportunity with all her might.

Fortunately, Qin Yinong was just a producer, not the lead actor. Apart from significant events like the start and end of filming, she wouldn't frequently appear on set, so Tang Ruoyao shouldn't have many chances to interact with her.

Working with Han Yuping was a long-awaited opportunity for every film actor. She just needed to focus on doing her job as an actress.

Tang Ruoyao gradually loosened her grip on the sofa and let out a deep breath.

Immediately, she picked up her bag and left the company, walking away in high heels with a cold expression.

.....

The audition process was in full swing, leaving Qin Yinong forced to stay at home. Han Yuping had made it clear that if she dared to show up on set, he would have someone tie her up and send her back, making tomorrow's entertainment and social headlines.

Helplessly, Qin Yinong idled away, twirling a strand of hair in front of her, bored out of her mind. She called Han Yuping on the phone and said, "Uncle, does anyone from my studio catch your eye?"

Han Yuping's voice was cold as he replied, "I'm making a movie. What does it have to do with you?"

Han Yuping's response made Qin Yinong' heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys ache. She sighed in relief and flattered, "You're right. I am one of the lead actors, aren't I?"

"Oh," Han Yuping's tone remained unyielding and steady. He said, "But what does that have to do with me?"

"Director Han!" Qin Yinong's anger flared up, but she quickly composed herself and pleaded softly, "Can you give me some face?"

"No." Han Yuping said. "I'm busy. I'm hanging up."

He pressed the phone and nodded lightly at Tang Ruoyao in front of him, saying, "Let's begin."

Tang Ruoyao closed her eyes, then opened them two seconds later, immersing herself in the scene of the play.

The audition consisted of two rounds. The script for the second round was sent out three days in advance and had much more content than the first one. Tang Ruoyao had Mu Qingwu adjust her schedule and devoted herself to studying the script at home.

There was something strange. Everyone she auditioned with was trying out for the role of a student. However, there was no announcement regarding the other lead actor.

Han Yuping didn't mention it, and others didn't dare to ask.

In the blink of an eye, winter arrived, and the capital city experienced its first snowfall. The snowflakes fell gently, covering the ground.

Tang Ruoyao looked up at the sky, tightened the scarf around her neck, and watched as the snowflakes silently melted away. She descended the stairs outside the Broadcasting and Television Building, and Mu Qingwu, who was by her side, answered a phone call. After hanging up, his entire demeanor seemed as if she was about to take flight, lacking the usual stability.

"I have good news!" Mu Qingwu couldn't contain her excitement.

"What is it?"

"You passed the audition!"

Tang Ruoyao was momentarily stunned, then slowly started to smile.

A thin layer of snow covered the ground, shimmering with a bright light, making her face appear even whiter than the snow.

Tang Ruoyao hooked her arm around the shoulders of her assistant and manager, one on each side, and said, "Let's go. I'll treat you both to a meal."

....

As the auditions came to an end, Qin Yinong's days of being "imprisoned" at home finally came to an end. Han Yuping played host and invited his two female leads to have a meal together, getting to know each other in the process.

Qin Yinong was very proactive and arrived early. She eagerly asked Han Yuping, "Who is it? Who is it?"

Han Yuping calmly picked up a peanut, put it in his mouth, chewed, took a sip of water to moisten his throat, and then finally glanced at her and said, "Why are you so impatient? One would think you're going on a blind date."

"I'm not in a hurry for a blind date." Han Yuping had done a great job keeping the secret, driving Qin Yinong crazy. She couldn't sit still and anxiously stretched her neck, peering towards the entrance.

When she finally heard footsteps, she instantly transformed into a composed and nonchalant demeanor. With one hand propping up her chin, she lazily avoided lifting her eyes.

Knock, knock —

Someone knocked on the door.

Han Yuping: "Come in."

Tang Ruoyao pushed open the door and entered. Her carefully prepared smile froze for a moment upon seeing Qin Yinong sitting next to Han Yuping, but she quickly regained her composure and greeted them naturally.

"Han Director, leading actress Qin."

Han Yuping: "Have a seat."

Tang Ruoyao took her seat, clenching her fingers into a fist on the table. She gracefully smiled and said, "I was wondering about the other lead actor..."

"Oh, it's Qin..." Han Yuping turned his head, glancing at Qin Yinong, whose expression was dark and seemed ready to kill. Then he looked at Tang Ruoyao, who was pretending to be calm across the table, and raised an eyebrow. "Do you two know each other?"

Author's note:

Qin Yinong: Didn't I come here for a blind date? [Smiling.jpg]

PS: The story begins in May, with another year ahead. As for the current timeline, it is January of the following year.

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